Wireless MRI coils with built-in vital-sign sensing
Wireless MRI Receive Arrays: Incorporating UWB Data Links and Vitals Sensing
['FUNDING_R01'] · STANFORD UNIVERSITY · NIH-11306084
A team at Stanford is creating wireless, wearable MRI receiver coils that also monitor vital signs to make scans faster and more comfortable for patients, including children with burns.
Quick facts
| Phase | ['FUNDING_R01'] |
|---|---|
| Study type | Nih_funding |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | STANFORD UNIVERSITY (nih funded) |
| Locations | 1 site (STANFORD, UNITED STATES) |
| Trial ID | NIH-11306084 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this research studies
This project aims to remove the bulky cables from MRI receiver arrays by building wireless power, low‑power receiver electronics, and short‑range ultra‑wideband links to stream MRI signals. The team will compress MRI data so it can be sent over band‑limited microwave channels and add microwave‑based motion and vital‑sign sensing. They plan to design balun‑free electronics and coil Q‑spoiling methods so the coils are safe and robust without custom chip fabrication. The end goal is wearable, vendor‑agnostic arrays that simplify patient setup and reduce scan time and handling difficulties.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people who need MRI scans and would benefit from shorter set‑up times or more comfortable, wearable coils, such as pediatric patients or those with burn injuries who have trouble with standard coil setups.
Not a fit: Patients who never require MRI, those with MRI‑incompatible implants, or those whose care depends on vendor‑specific, non‑replaceable coil systems are unlikely to benefit directly from this work.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, scans could be quicker, more comfortable, and easier to perform—especially for children and people with burns—while improving image quality through wearable coil use.
How similar studies have performed: Laboratory prototypes and research demonstrations of wireless MRI coils and related sensing exist, but widespread clinical use remains limited and this project builds on and advances that prior work.
Where this research is happening
STANFORD, UNITED STATES
- STANFORD UNIVERSITY — STANFORD, UNITED STATES (ACTIVE)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: PAULY, JOHN M. — STANFORD UNIVERSITY
- Study coordinator: PAULY, JOHN M.
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.
Conditions: Burn injury